THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After several years of announcements, the zoo here will be soon welcoming new animals. One pair each of lion, Hanuman monkey, white peacock, emu and two pairs of wild fowl are new arrivals. They will be delivered from Tirupati Zoo in Andhra Pradesh in May. In return, 4 hyenas, a pair of hippopotamuses, three pairs of wild boars and two pairs of domestic deers will be given to Tirupati Zoo. In June, two more pairs of Hanuman monkeys will be brought from the zoo in Haryana. The approval of the Central Zoo will enable the process to be completed more quickly. Apart from Tirupati, the expert team also contacted Gujarat Greens Zoological Park, Chhattisgarh, Guwahati and Indore zoo authorities. Officials who expressed interest in the transfer of animals also provided a list of animals to be transferred. The expert team has also conveyed the details about the animals offered instead.

Minister flagged off the new battery vehicles

Two new battery vehicles were purchased for zoo visitors. Its flag off was done by minister J Chinchurani. There are 5 battery vehicles including new ones. The vehicles were purchased at a cost of Rs 10,40,000. The vehicles were purchased by inviting tenders through GEM portal. These vehicles are very useful for the elderly and those with difficulty walking. Two more will be made available in June.

Charges

Rs 60 per person

Senior Citizens -30

Children -20

Persons with Disabilities - Free

More animals will be brought from abroad: Minister

Minister J Chinchurani said that steps are being taken to bring animals including zebras from abroad. A three-member committee was formed to get more animals. The minister also said that the capital's zoo will be improved after visiting foreign zoos.